Steps for Families: Starting the Special Education Eligibility Process

If you think your child may need special education support, here is how to get started and how you can help the process go smoothly. These steps apply whether your child is just starting school or has already been in school for some time.

1. Write a Letter to Request an Evaluation

   Start by writing a letter to your school district of residence (not just the one your child attends).

   This letter should:

   • Clearly state that you are requesting an evaluation for special education
   • Briefly explain your concerns (e.g., communication access, language development, social connection)
   • Be dated and signed

   Tip: Keep a copy for your records. You can send the letter by email or certified mail to ensure it is received.

2. Gather Helpful Information

   You can include documents that show why you believe your child may benefit from services. What you include may depend on your child’s age and background.

   For example:

   • Copy of any medical diagnosis.
   • Medical or therapy records (such as audiograms, speech and language evaluations, doctor notes, developmental milestone reports).
   • Letters from specialists (like an audiologist, Deaf mentor, or early intervention provider).
   • Your own observations, such as times your child seemed confused, fatigued, or frustrated.
   • Share your child's interests and strengths. For example, “my son likes to read about cars. He finds drawing very calming, and it can help him explain his thinking.”
   • If your child is in school:
     • Notes from teachers.
     • Samples of schoolwork.
     • Any observations about communication or participation in class.

   If your child is entering Kindergarten, you might not have school-based data yet and that is okay. Preschool reports, home observations, or early intervention records can be just as helpful.

3. The School Reviews Your Request

   Once your request is received, the school has 30 days to decide whether to move forward with a formal evaluation. To proceed, the school must agree that:

   • Your child has a condition that may impact learning or classroom participation, such as deafness
   • There may be a need for special education services, and specially designed instruction due to the condition.

   In most cases, when there are clear concerns, schools work collaboratively with families to begin the evaluation process. If the school does not move forward with an evaluation, they must explain their decision in writing. If you disagree with their decision, you do have options to try and resolve the disagreement. Please find the relevant information under “Dispute Resolution” in the Evaluation Road Map.

4. Give Consent

   If the school agrees to evaluate, they will ask for your signed permission. From there, they have 60 days to complete a comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation is the next step in this journey, and there is a set process for that as well.

   Continue to the Evaluation section of this guide to learn more.